Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson delivered a strong message for the entire world at the 2020 ESPYS.
Wilson opened his co-hosting duties at this year's awards show by speaking up about racism and the injustices that have been prevalent in today's world.
"This is our moment to prove that we know a better world is one where Black lives are valued."@DangeRussWilson, @S10Bird and @mPinoe open the 2020 #ESPYS. pic.twitter.com/ntJzgtkhMq
— ESPN (@espn) June 22, 2020
The Seahawks star was joined by co-hosts Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, as they all delivered an inspiring monologue to open the virtual awards night. Wilson started his spiel alluding to legendary black sports personalities and how athletes like Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams chose to fight against inequality in their own ways and platforms.
“What if we didn't know their names? What if they were never a part of the conversation?” Russell Wilson asked while sporting a Black Lives Matter shirt, per E! Online. “And there's also this conversation: ‘I can't breathe. I can't breathe.' Those were George Floyd's last words…Our country's work is not anywhere close to done. We need justice.”
Wilson also spoke of his kids and his hopes for the youth to be able to live in a world where the color of their skin won't be any hurdle.
“I look at my children and I pray for a better future. A world where the color of their brown skin doesn't stop them from their calling, from their purpose and from their destiny,” the Seahawks QB shared. “I pray for a world where I don't have to fear for my children from systemic racism due to hundreds of years of oppression. The only thing that must die is racism. Black Lives Matter.”
As part of his monologue, the Seahawks vet also posted a challenge to everyone, including his non-black teammates.
“So, where do we go from here?” he asked. “To my white teammates and friends, we need you to lead, too. Don't just listen. Help.”
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